# LXXVII: Taormini explained — Verses on Various Occasions

> Chapter companion for Verses on Various Occasions by John Henry Newman.

## What happens

The poem reflects on the beauty of the world as a divine gift, urging the reader to store such visions in their heart to endure future trials, drawing a parallel to a saint strengthened by a vision of the third heaven.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and the Divine

The poem marvels at the beauty of the world as a reflection of divine glory, suggesting that such sights are gifts from God.

### Suffering and Humility

The speaker encourages storing memories of divine beauty to endure 'coming pains and fears,' linking present joy to future strength in suffering.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker addresses the reader, reflecting on the experience of traveling and encountering divine beauty.

### Angels

Referenced in the opening quote as meeting Jacob, symbolizing divine presence on a journey.

### Jacob

Mentioned in the epigraph as one who met Angels of God on his way.

### Paul

Alluded to as the Saint who was caught up to the third heaven and endured fourteen years of trials.

## Key lines

> And feel an awe within thee rise, That sinful man should see Glories far worthier Seraph’s eyes Than to be shared by thee?

You feel a reverent fear that a sinful human being is allowed to see beauties more fitting for angels than for yourself.

_This expresses the theme of humility before divine creation._

> Store them in heart! thou shalt not faint ’Mid coming pains and fears, As the third heaven once nerved a Saint For fourteen trial-years.

Keep these memories in your heart, and you will not weaken during future sufferings and anxieties, just as a vision of paradise strengthened a saint for fourteen years of trials.

_This draws a direct parallel between storing beautiful memories and enduring hardship, referencing Saint Paul's experience._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxvii-taormini
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters